CEDAR CITY, Utah-Tuesday, Southern Utah University athletic director Doug Knuth announced his resignation, citing the need to spend more time with his family in his remarks.

In his stead, SUU has appointed Cedar City native and Southern Utah graduate (1976) Judge Tom Higbee as interim athletic director effective July 15.

Higbee earned a law degree at the University of Utah and in 2001, he was appointed to the Fifth District Juvenile Court by then-Utah governor Michael O. Leavitt, also a Cedar City native.

Higbee served in that position for more than 17 years.

Higbee has also served on the SUU Board of Trustees and Community Advisory Board in previous experiences.

Following Higbee’s appointments, the university will seek a permanent replacement via a search process.